Patient Navigator for Breast Cancer

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Overseen ByKatherine N Weilbaecher, MD
Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how a patient navigator system can help breast cancer patients overcome challenges related to social stressors. The patient navigator will connect patients with community resources to address issues like transportation, financial, and housing stability. Eligible patients should currently receive breast cancer treatment at the Siteman Cancer Center North County and be comfortable speaking English.

As an unphased trial, this study offers patients the opportunity to access valuable support resources and enhance their overall treatment experience.

What prior data suggests that the patient navigator system is safe for patients?

This study tests a patient navigator system. Patient navigators connect patients with community resources to address social needs such as transportation or housing.

Specific safety data for patient navigator systems is unavailable because they don't involve drugs or medical procedures. Instead, they offer support and guidance, avoiding typical risks or side effects associated with medications. The primary goal is to help patients access care by addressing social challenges.

Past research has shown that using patient navigators is well-received, with no major safety concerns reported. This suggests it is a safe option for assisting patients in managing their healthcare needs.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the patient navigator intervention for breast cancer because it addresses social determinants of health (SDOH), which are often overlooked in traditional treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. This approach connects patients with a navigator who helps identify and manage obstacles like transportation, financial, and housing challenges, which can significantly impact treatment success. By providing tailored support and referrals to resources based on individual needs, this intervention aims to improve overall treatment adherence and outcomes, offering a more holistic approach to patient care.

What evidence suggests that the patient navigator is effective for addressing barriers to care in breast cancer patients?

Research has shown that a patient navigator can greatly improve cancer care. In this trial, participants will receive support from a patient navigator, which studies have found helps patients start treatment sooner after diagnosis. For instance, one review found that 70% of patients began treatment faster with a patient navigator's help. It also boosts participation in cancer screenings and ensures better follow-up after abnormal test results. Additionally, patient navigation lowers hospital readmissions and helps patients adhere to their recommended care plans. Overall, these findings suggest that patient navigation can significantly enhance cancer treatment outcomes.678910

Who Is on the Research Team?

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Emily L Podany, MD, MPHS

Principal Investigator

Washington University School of Medicine

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people diagnosed with breast cancer who may have social or personal challenges that make it harder to get medical care, such as financial issues, lack of support, or trouble accessing resources.

Inclusion Criteria

English-speaker
Verbally consented to navigation services
I have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
See 2 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

Patient Navigation Intervention

Patients are connected with a patient navigator who assesses social determinants of health risks and refers high-risk patients to appropriate resources

Ongoing
Initial consult visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for effectiveness of the navigation intervention and connection to community resources

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Patient navigator

Trial Overview

The study is testing a patient navigator program. Patient navigators help connect breast cancer patients facing social challenges with community resources and support services to improve their access to care.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Patient navigation interventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Washington University School of Medicine

Lead Sponsor

Trials
2,027
Recruited
2,353,000+

National Comprehensive Cancer Network

Collaborator

Trials
121
Recruited
7,400+

Citations

Patient navigation for early detection, diagnosis and ...

It has been proven to improve cancer screening rates, reduce time to diagnosis and hospital readmissions, increase adherence to surveillance ...

Patient Navigators Improve Outcomes for Breast Cancer ...

BMC's patient navigation program demonstrated a 15% improvement in timely follow-up rates after an abnormal screening test. Wanda Turner, the ...

Patient Navigation in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review

Of these, 70% (n = 16) reported a significant reduction in time to treatment with patients that received navigation. These positive outcomes were observed ...

Patient navigation across the cancer care continuum: An ...

Patient navigation is effective in improving participation in cancer screening and reducing the time from screening to diagnosis and from ...

A Scoping Review of Patient Navigation in the Continuity ...

Patient navigation demonstrated positive impacts across the cancer care continuum: (1) improved screening, especially in minority populations; (2) reduced time ...

PATIENT Definition & Meaning

The meaning of PATIENT is enduring pains or trials calmly or without complaint. 2 : acting with calm or restraint under provocation or strain was patient

Do we need a new word for patients? - PMC

Patient comes from the Latin “patiens,” from “patior,” to suffer or bear. The patient, in this language, is truly passive—bearing whatever suffering is ...

PATIENT Definition & Meaning

noun · a person who is under medical care or treatment. Synonyms: invalid · a person or thing that undergoes some action. · Archaic. a sufferer or victim.

Patient

A patient is any recipient of health care services that are performed by healthcare professionals. The patient is most often ill or injured and in need of ...

PATIENT | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

PATIENT meaning: 1. a person who is receiving medical care, or who is cared for by a particular doctor or dentist…. Learn more.